WELLNESS: Look Fabulous, Fast!

Nine clever ways to get hot in a hurry—and kick bridezilla meltdowns to the curb

Barbara Dudziska/iStock

TO BE BLOAT- AND BULGE-FREE

Nutritional coach Maura Manzo of Conshohocken’s Ryah Yoga and Health says …

Wipe out white. “White sugar and most white starchy foods are full of empty calories and are the major contributors to wedding-day weight.” Get veggie-heavy. “Fill your plate with 50 percent non-starchy vegetables (think salads and low-fat stir-fries) at each meal, and give complex carbs and lean protein a fourth of your plate’s real estate.” Be a bottle-toting babe. “Staying hydrated is crucial for weight loss. Find a water bottle you love, and don’t leave home without it.”

 

TO BE TIGHT AND TONED

Personal trainer Mike Smaltz of Bryn Mawr’s Platoon Fitness says …

Perfect your push-ups. “Push-ups work your arms, shoulders, back and core. Work your way up to 10 sets of 10.” Change up cardio. “Vary the intensity of workouts to keep your body from hitting a plateau. Walk or jog one day, and do sprints the next.” Love lunges. “Aim for five to 10 sets of 20 lunges on each leg daily. They work your hamstrings, thighs, butt and core.”

 

TO BE SLIM AND STRESS-FREE

Dr. Daniel Monti, director of the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine at Jefferson Hospital, says …

Sleep for seven. “People who routinely sleep fewer than seven hours a night are at greater risk for weight gain and often crave higher-calorie food. Scoring adequate shut-eye also keeps the immune system strong.” Breathe better. “To de-stress, focus on nothing but breathing deeply for two minutes daily. This helps reset the nervous system and move you into a better mind-set.” Make time to sweat. “Exercise boosts your mood, helps regulate sleep cycles and relieves stress.” Too busy? Invite your to-be on a walk or run and discuss wedding details on the go.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           — Jenna Bergen

Originally published in the fall/winter 2011 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.

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